Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Madurai
Mangalore
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
Good Samaritans
|
A few residents in the city reach out to help poor patients
|
A helping hand for the needy
Spreading the message of goodwill and peace are Radhakrishna Pillai and his wife T. Indiramma. Indigent patients in the ninth ward of the General Hospital get a square meal everyday owing to the efforts of this couple who decided to utilise their spare time to help others.
The couple formed a society called Matha Vanitha Charitable Society in to help the old and infirm patients in the ninth ward. Inspired by a dream, Radhakrishna Pillai decided to provide food for the needy. "I was idle after my retirement and that troubled me a great deal. I dreamt of my mother advising me to feed the poor to get peace of mind.
A friend of mine suggested that we provide food for those admitted in the ninth ward in General Hospital. A visit to the place helped me arrive at a decision. The authorities agreed to my suggestion in principle but they advised me to form an organisation for the purpose."
Immediately Radhakrishna Pillai discussed the idea with his family and they were all in favour of the proposal. His daughter Jayalakshmy became secretary of the organisation. She says, "I was always touched by my parent's approach to the poor and so their decision did not come as a surprise."
A friend in need
"This would not have been possible without the help of George Joseph, senior finance manager, Milma, and his wife Marykkutty Joseph," says Pillai.
Describing the pathetic state of the ninth ward, Radhakrishna Pillai says, "Four years back the condition of the patients in this ward was deplorable. Helpless and weak patients lay in unhygienic conditions on the floor in the ward and the verandah. Since many of the patients had been abandoned, there was no one to care for them or keep them clean. Overcrowding and the paucity of staff in the hospital added to the woes of the patients. Things changed dramatically when the media brought this issue to the notice of the public. More staff was appointed and things have improved."
The society has been distributing food to all the patients in the ninth ward and to indigent patients in other wards too. It also supplies medicines and clothes and has donated colour T.V. sets. Many other hospitals and orphanages have also benefited from the society's charitable work. The 44-strong society depends on the goodwill of its members and other altruistic persons for funds to finance its philanthropic activities. The food is cooked in Radhakrishnan Pillai's house.
"The food packet usually consists of rice, two side dishes and a pickle and on festive occasion we provide a payasam also. Although the lunch is simple, we ensure that it is tasty and hygienic," says Indiramma.
Retirement
"Many people see retirement as the end of an active life. They confine their activities to mundane domestic tasks.
This makes them frustrated and depressed. Actually, this is the best time to engage in activities that give you peace of mind," believes Radhakrishna Pillai.
Venugopal, Radhakrishna Pillai's son, also supports his father's work. "Initially, I had doubts about the success of such a programme. I doubted if my father could cope with the responsibility. Although they are in their seventies, the zeal for their work keeps them going.
"I believe that by helping the poor we are worshipping the almighty," says Radhakrishna Pillai.
M. S. VIDYANANDAN
Photo: S. Mahinsha
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Madurai
Mangalore
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
|
